Samuel Merritt University to Host 2nd Transgender Community Forum

Samuel Merritt University to Host 2nd Transgender Community Forum

(Oakland, CA, September 13, 2012) There are many myths and misunderstandings about who and what it means to be transgender in our community, as well as why and how individuals choose particular transition options. To address some of these issues, Samuel Merritt University is hosting its second annual health promotion educational series program, Transgender Community Forum.

WHY: Fear, misunderstanding and intolerance take an extreme toll on our Bay Area Trans Community. Samuel Merritt University is committed to reaching out to our diverse community with information and support.

WHO: Presentations by Dr. Joel Beck, Dr. Marci Bowers, Dr. Nick Gorton, and Kristina Wertz will include care and transition options as well as legal concerns. The open panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Cecily Cosby, professor in the School of Nursing, will respond to participant questions. The forum attracts trans-advocates, policy makers, healthcare allies and supporters.

“As more medical providers include the care of gender non-conforming patients in their practices, and as more gender-variant students enter health professions, SMU offers this Transgender Community Forum in hopes of bringing the community together to increase our understanding of our trans-community and provide evidence-based information,” explains Dr. Cosby. “It’s also an opportunity to meet and learn from gender non-conforming individuals with remarkable life-stories.”

Interviews and photo/filming opportunities available:

WHEN Thursday, September 13, from 6:00 p.m. thru 9:00 p.m. (Attendees are requested to arrive by 5:30 p.m. for seating.)

Samuel Merritt University, located in Oakland, California, has been educating health science practitioners who are committed to making a positive difference in diverse communities since 1909. Nearly 1,400 students are enrolled at SMU, with campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Mateo. The University offers an undergraduate degree in nursing; master's degrees in nursing, occupational therapy, and physician assistant; and doctoral degrees in nursing, physical therapy, and podiatry.